fountain 47 sc

Going from a 378 Four Winns Vista to a 42 will be a huge step down in cabin size. Even a 47 cabin is considerably smaller but I think you'd be ok with it. I looked at all of them and wound up with a 47 Sport Cruiser because even the 47 lightning has only 5'7" headroom.
I think you would be unhappy with the 42 if you overnight a lot.
Having said that, the 47 is a big boat to trailer. You need at least a 450 to be legal. My 450 tows my boat great but the trailer is a Myco tandem dually and a phenomenal tailer. A lot of guys tow with mediumduty conversions. If you haven't towed anything that big, heavy, and long it is a real learning experience.

TCBoss302

iTrader: (3)

Cuda,

I've been looking for the right combination of creature comforts, looks and speed for 2 years. Here is what I narrowed it down to for what it's worth.

38 or 39' Nor Tech -- 5'10" headroom -- very nice cabin A/C and generator -- triple digits with 750 HP.

37' Active Thunder -- Roughly 5' 5" headroom -- very nice cabin A/C generator optional -- triple digits with 700-750 HP

THIS IS NOT A SLAM AGAINST FOUNTAIN, JUST FACT -- My Baja 302 (SOLD!!!) had more cabin room / headroom than a 38" Fountain I looked at at the Charlotte boat show, but the Fountain had one HELL of a sunpad (staggard motors).

pookie

Another option if you are not trailering a lot and just want a cruiser with more speed would be a 38 Fountain Express Cruiser (2002 and newer). When they redesigned the sport cruisers in '02, they made them much bigger and wider. (I think the 38 has a 10'9" beam) That makes them impractical to trailer them a lot but some still do.
That boat will have almost the same room as your Vista and go at least twice as fast with the right power. You're not likely to hit triple digits but if you want a nice ride with lots of cabin room and respectable speed, the 38 Express is certainly an option.

tcuda499

Thanks guys.... I would go for a 47 but not with a 2500hd non duelly. I have thought about a 38 fountain express but still kinda wide to tow alot. I really hate to dissapiont you guys but I'm ready to put a deposit on the 99 38 scarab thats here....price is right and I know somewhat of the boats history. Decent size cockpit and cabin. One day I'll have a Cig or 42 Lightning......one day.Thanks again everybody for your help

aTX427

Is your trailer a 5th wheel?

pookie

I have a gooseneck that is removable and a B&W turnover gooseneck ball. The trailer can be towed either way depending on the truck and setup pulling it. I used to use a big truck (Class 8) but that was very impractical. Then I pulled it with a conventional ball because the 5th wheel was too high and too far forward.
The 450 is much better. It is more usable, more maneuverable, and bounces a lot less.

aTX427

Sorry if this is off subject, but I am very interested in seeing pictures of that trailer set up. I had to go with a F650 because of the total weight. The F450 was too close to the max bumper tow limits with my rig.

pookie

I have pictures but not sure how to post them.

laszlo01

You are kidding right ? Best handling V bottom out there ? Not so sure about that one. Might want to take a ride in a A/T, just my 2 cents.

pookie

You have know how to drive Fountains.